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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Explanatory Psychological Factors of Inconsistently Condom Use among Spanish University Students: Gender Differences

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Abstract More than 50% of Spanish youth does not use of condoms correctly and consistently. University students are a particular population at high risk of the HIV infection, other STIs and unwanted pregnancies. The influence of psychological variables in using of condom is analyzed by gender and type of sexual relationship. A total of 256 females and 168 males were assessed (Mage= 20.62; SD = 2.16). A regression logistic analysis showed that sexual sensation seeking appears as an explanatory variable of inconsistently condom use in both females and males in vaginal intercourse, steady relationship intercourse and sex under the alcohol and other drugs effects (adjusted odds ratio between 1.095 and 1.124). Moreover, self-esteem appears as a risk factor and extraversion as a protective factor of use of condom in females. On the other hand, neuroticism reveals itself as a protective factor and fear of negative evaluation as a risk factor of use of condom in males. It is necessary to know the psychological mechanisms that underlie sexual risk behaviors for adapting interventions to individual and contextual characteristics.